'Taking a break' is usually code for splitting up. I think they all want solo careers.

This could be another way of breaking it gently to their fans.

They're clearly pulling an *Nsync and will be on hiatus for years, and maybe reunite once or twice for an awards show or an Olympics-level event. Or it could be a Take That and they'll reunite sooner because there's money in it.

Does anyone know if Harry was wearing his nan's curtains?

Easy target for people with imagination too.

In my humble opinion, I never rated them the year they were on xf because I thought, they simply couldn't sing! They were dire live. How on earth they reached the heights they have is mind boggling, but I do appreciate they have all worked hard in the last 5 years, and no doubt accumulated a lot of dosh along the way!

I've just joined a reggae band playing the triangle.
I just stand at the back and ting

Take That took a break of at least 10 years before reforming.

When they perform they look bored. or is it that they're too cocky to smile anymore?

and Harry doing that pray thank you thing. so rock n rollzzzzzzzzzzz

Well at least Take That had some talent and they could each sing individually very well, they have matured enormously and can still hold a note even 10 years after splitting up. Look at Rod Stewart, wow, he's still going strong after 50 years. That is one performer who can knock socks off most of today's performers.

However, 1D can't sing now so how are they going to perform in 10 years time? Not very well I would predict.

they should be called one dimension all their songs are identical, not surprised Zayn jumped ship

That's an awfully snobby attitude. I am not 1ds target audience being a 39 year old male, but I have attended several of their concerts, and I can assure you, you are totally wrong when you say they can't sing. The sang excellently in each of the shows I saw and they are really nice guys.

BIB - Not necessarily all of them, but if, for example, Liam and Harry did, the other two would have no option.

First song bad, second song in tune and fun.

They're over now anyway so everyone can go about their lives without stressing about boybands being popular.

BIB: Kind of ironic really since they were originally 5 solo singers thrown together to make a group

They can sing, though I didn't like the first song. They're also a brand. I like them, for some reason they just make me feel happy. It doesn't look like they'll be getting back together though.

You have it the wrong way round.

They can sing well apart from the strange one with long hair.

I think maybe YOU have it the wrong way round here lol

David Beckham is arguably the most overrated footballer ever . He's footballs equivalent to sheryl Cole in style over substance and was in the press more for his looks than anything to do with his football . Lionel messi is not what beckham was

Ronald Koeman

I thought that Liam sounded the best, but that's not saying much as Niall was frightening, Harry looked like he was on another planet, and I want to forget about Louis's attempt at "singing."

Well done to them for their success though, it's nice to know that Simon hasn't humiliated all of his acts over the years on the show.

What I want to know is, what the f e c k i n g hell was Harry wearing? what with his girly hair and millions of girls fancy him ok he isn't ugly, but I have always thought Liam was much better looking, and the most likeable in the group.

You'd have thought they were the second coming.

When Simon told them to 'enjoy their rest' I spat my wine out. How old are they? You rest when you're old (like me).

I have never really seen the appeal of Harry Styles and his backing singers.

Whatever people think of one direction it is clear they have been exploited and milked as Cowells cash cow to the point where they are obviously exhausted and do need time out. They have not been allowed rest for a minute since forming.

Thank you, totally agree.

And regards 1D. Right place, right time.

Average talent, pleasant enough guys, seem to work hard. Made a sh*t load of money, who can blame them.